Student Code of Conduct
As a community of scholars, Shepherd University is dedicated to promoting learning and student success. In order to foster a conducive learning and living community, Shepherd University addresses violations of any of the following policies:
100. Violations of Law
Violation of federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.
200. Violations of Other University Regulations and Policies
Violation of any other university rule, regulation, or policy.
- 201. University Rule: Violation of any other university rule, regulation, or policy
- 202. Parking Regulations: Actions including but not limited to unauthorized use of a parking decal, use of an incorrect parking decal, or parking on campus in a spot that is not designated as a parking spot
300. Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity includes any act which includes but is not limited to an area mentioned below which is outside the scope outlined within the professor’s syllabus to complete or prepare academic assignments:
- Cheating: The use of unauthorized materials, information, study aids, or providing or receiving assistance in course work in a manner not authorized by the professor.
- Falsification of Records: tampering or altering any academic record used by the University
- Plagiarism: The use and/or appropriation of another person’s work without citation of the original source with the representation that the work is the student’s own.
- Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI): Course Work generated or materially modified by AI in a way that violates an instructor’s articulated policy within their syllabus or use of AI to complete coursework in a manner not expressly permitted by the instructor. Instructors will clearly communicate expectations to all students in their course syllabus.
400. Orientation
Failure to attend Orientation Programs as required by Shepherd University unless given written permission by the Orientation Staff.
500. Failure to Comply
- 501. Directions from Officials: Failure or refusal to comply with directions or instructions of faculty, staff, administration, police, or resident assistants when they are acting in official capacities.
- 502. Electronic Messages: Failure to review or to respond to official electronic messages through the university email system.
600. Computer Misuse
- 601. Computer Privacy or Security: Intentionally compromising the privacy of computer files or attempting to breach the security of any computer system to which the individual has not been authorized to access.
- 602. Software Agreements/Copyright: Violations of software licensing agreements or copyright or other intellectual property regulations.
700. ID Card/Key Card/Keys
- 701. Unauthorized Key Use: Use, possession, sharing, conveyance, or duplication of university “Rambler” identification card, door access keys or mobile applications, or other keys without authorization from an appropriate university official.
- 702. University ID: Failure to carry a Shepherd University “Rambler” identification card while on campus.
800. Accessory
Assisting or complicity to any violation of the Student Code of Conduct, the Student Handbook, or other published policies. Presence at or failure to leave immediately a situation where a violation is occurring.
900. Damage to Property
- 901. University Property: Damaging or impairing university property.
- 902. Other’s Property: Damaging or impairing another person’s property.
1000. Theft
Theft or attempted theft of university property or another person’s property including unauthorized use or possession of university property or another person’s property.
1100. Fire Emergency/Threat
- 1101. False Bomb Threat: Placing a false bomb threat.
- 1102. Fire or False Emergency: Causing a fire, fire hazard, false fire alarm, or another false emergency.
- 1103. Failure to Evacuate: Failure to evacuate immediately during an alarm or other emergency.
- 1104. Safety Equipment: Tampering or interfering with, damaging, disabling, or misusing fire safety or other safety equipment.
- 1105. Propping Doors: Propping open or preventing an interior or exterior door from closing securely.
- 1106. Blocking Exits: Blocking fire or emergency exits or routes in any way. Obstructing direct access to a door or window so that evacuation is hindered. Door and hallways must remain clear of obstructions.
1200. Fireworks and Chemicals
- 1201. Fireworks: Unauthorized use, possession, or storage of fireworks or explosives on university property.
- 1202. Chemicals: Unauthorized use, possession, or storage of hazardous chemicals that could pose a health or safety risk, either by themselves or in conjunction with other chemicals.
1300. Weapons
Carrying, maintaining, or storing of any firearm or weapon not permitted by the Campus Self-Defense Act. Weapons include any instrument carried or used for the purpose of inflicting or threatening bodily injury.
- 1301. Handguns, Pistols, or Revolvers: Use, Unpermitted possession, open carry, inappropriate discharge, or improper storage of handguns, pistols, revolvers or ammunition.
- As permitted by the Campus Self-Defense Act, individuals with a valid West Virginia Concealed Carry Permit, West Virginia Concealed Carry Provisional Permit, (or State with a reciprocal permit agreement) may conceal carry a revolver or pistol/ “Handgun” as defined by West Virginia state code on campus. Some locations on campus are prohibited for concealed carry.
-
- 1302. Other Weapons and Firearms: Use, possession, open carry, inappropriate discharge, or improper storage of any firearm not permitted by the Campus Self-Defense Act or item that may constitute a weapon on campus, except as approved and required for an academic class, including but not limited to: blank pistols, Taser guns, reasonable facsimile of guns, air rifles, air pistols, archery equipment, swords, sharp tools such as axes and hatchets, paint ball guns, gel ball guns, sling shots, knives with blades in excess of four inches in length.
- “Firearms” are defined as any gun, rifle, pistol, or handgun designed to fire any projectile including but not limited to bullets, BBs, pellets, or shots, including paint balls, gel/water pellets, regardless of the propellant used
- 1302. Other Weapons and Firearms: Use, possession, open carry, inappropriate discharge, or improper storage of any firearm not permitted by the Campus Self-Defense Act or item that may constitute a weapon on campus, except as approved and required for an academic class, including but not limited to: blank pistols, Taser guns, reasonable facsimile of guns, air rifles, air pistols, archery equipment, swords, sharp tools such as axes and hatchets, paint ball guns, gel ball guns, sling shots, knives with blades in excess of four inches in length.
1400. Alcohol
- 1401. Possession/Use: Possession, use, manufacture, purchase, or distribution of alcoholic beverages by or to any person under 21 years of age.
- 1402. Public Intoxication: Appearing intoxicated or having an open container of alcohol in a public area.
- 1403. Common Source Containers: Possession of common source containers of alcohol, such as kegs and punch bowls.
- 1404. Excessive Consumption Activities: Involvement in activities or possession of items used predominantly for and which encourage excessive consumption of alcohol, such as beer pong tables and beer bongs/funnels.
- 1405. Trophy Bottles: Possession of decorative, souvenir, or empty alcohol bottles, cans, or similar containers by any person under 21 years of age.
- 1406. Student Clubs, Organizations, and Groups: Any violation of Alcohol Policy for Student Clubs, Organizations, and Groups.
NOTE: That signs or symptoms that might reasonably indicate use of or intoxication by alcohol, or the presence of alcohol beverage containers, may be construed as proximate indicators of alcohol possession or consumption.
1500. Tobacco/Smoking
Smoking and the use of all tobacco products are prohibited on Shepherd University campuses. This policy includes the use of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco such as chew or snuff, electronic vaping devices and hookahs. This prohibition includes all Shepherd University facilities, grounds within the campus boundaries as well as within University-owned or leased vehicles (regardless of registration or off-road status).
See more about the Tobacco Free Campus here: https://www.shepherd.edu/tobaccofree
1600. Drugs
- 1601. Use, Possession, Purchase, or Distribution: The unlawful possession, purchase, use, or distribution of controlled sub- stances, and/or illegal drugs in any amount. Being in possession of another person’s prescribed medicine.
- 1602. Synthetic Drugs: Purchase, possession, use, abuse, or distribution of any synthetic or natural chemical or material that may cause intoxication and/or require emergency intervention, including, but not limited to: bath salts, huffing, salvia, and synthetic versions of drugs.
- 1603. Syringes: Possession of medical syringes without a legitimate prescription.
- 1604. Paraphernalia: Possession of paraphernalia typically associated with the possession, use or distribution of controlled substances, and/or illegal drugs.
1700. Invasion of Privacy
Transmitting, recording, or photographing the image or voice of another person without their knowledge or consent while in an environment that is considered private or where there is an expectation of privacy, such as inside a residence hall or bathroom.
1800. Misrepresentation
Submitting false, incomplete, or misleading information on official documents or to police, faculty, staff, administration, or resident assistants when they are acting in an official capacity.
1900. Lewd or Indecent Behavior
Any conduct that is offensive to accepted standards of decency such as public nudity or public urination.
2000. Disruptive Conduct
Actions which disrupt or interfere with the instructional program or threaten the orderliness, operation, or well-being of the campus, the surrounding community, or its members.
2100. Endangering Conduct
Any act that jeopardizes the health or safety of self or others.
2200. Abuse
Verbal abuse, physical abuse, intimidation, the threat of these actions, or any other that endangers or threatens the well-being, safety, or educational opportunity of any person(s).
2300. Hazing
Any action or situation, whether recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally committed individually or in concert with other persons, regardless of the person’s consent, as defined by the Stop Campus Hazing Act amendment of the Clery Act that:
- is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
- causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including but not limited to;
- whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
- causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
- causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
- causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
- any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
- any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
- any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.”
2400. Discrimination
- 2401. Identity Discrimination: Promoting or demanding any action on the part of a member of the campus community that would constitute discrimination on the basis of ability, age, beliefs, ethnicity, gender expression, identity, life experiences, medical condition, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or other status protected by law.
- 2402. Hate Activities: Engaging in hate activities that demean, ridicule, and/or endanger other members of the campus, especially on the basis of the statuses listed in the section above.
2500. Harassment
Unwanted physical, verbal, nonverbal or other conduct relating to a person’s protected status, including ability, age, beliefs, ethnicity, gender expression, gender identity, life experiences, medical condition, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or other status protected by law, and which may result in one or more of the following:
A) The creation of intimidating, hostile, or offensive working, living, or academic environment; or
B) Substantial or unreasonable interference with an individual’s work, living, or academic performances; or
C) The development of an adverse effect on an individual’s employment or academic opportunities.
- 2501. Inequitable Treatment: Unjustified inequitable treatment that results in the above consequences and may include bullying, intimidation, and/or the use of demeaning language, the use of language or gestures that are disrespectful or imply a person’s inferiority, or intolerance of cultural differences.
- 2502. Gender-Based Harassment: Gender-based harassment, includes unwelcome conduct of a nonsexual nature based on a student’s actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and nonconformity with gender stereotypes.
2600. Sexual Misconduct
- 2601. Non-consensual Sexual Contact: Non-Consensual Sexual Contact includes any intentional sexual touching, however slight, with any object or body part, performed by a person upon another person. Sexual Contact includes (a) intentional touching of the breasts, buttocks, groin, or genitals, whether clothed or unclothed, or intentionally touching another with any of these body parts; and (b) making another touch you or themselves with or on any of these body parts.
- 2602. Non-consensual Sexual Intercourse: Non-consensual sexual intercourse includes any penetration, however slight, with any object or body part, performed by a person upon another person. Sexual Intercourse includes (a) vaginal penetration by a penis, object, tongue, or finger; (b) anal penetration by a penis, object, tongue, or finger; and (c) any contact, no matter how slight, between the mouth of one person and the genitalia of another person.
- 2603. Sexual Harassment: Sexual Harassment includes unwanted or unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors, or other behavior of a sexual nature.
- 2604. Sexual Exploitation: Sexual Exploitation includes taking non-consensual, unjust, or abusive advantage of another person for the benefit or advantage of anyone other than the person who is exploited.
2700. Relationship Violence
- 2701. Dating Violence: Committing, attempting, or threatening an act of violence against a person in a romantic or intimate relationship, either currently or formerly.
- 2702. Domestic Violence: Committing, attempting, or threatening an act of violence by a person against a current or former spouse, current or former cohabitant, person sharing a child in common, or person situated in a similar familial environment.
For more information on Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct, see http://www.shepherd.edu/title-ix/gender-based-discrimination-sexual-misconduct-and-interpersonal-violence-policy
2800. Stalking
Stalking includes engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others; or suffer substantial emotional distress.
2900. Retaliation
Retaliation includes retaliatory action of any kind, including intimidation, coercion, or threats, against any individual as a result of a person’s attempt to seek redress or to participate in an investigation under applicable procedures dealing with sexual and other misconduct.
3000. Guest Responsibility
Being with any guest, both students and non-students who violate university policies. Shepherd University students are responsible for their guest’s actions while on campus and for informing guests of university policies.
3100. Unauthorized Building/Facility Use
Unauthorized presence on, in, or use of university premises, facilities, or property.
3200. Entering/Exiting Building
- 3201. Inappropriate Entering or Exiting: Entering or exiting a building in any way other than through an appropriate doorway.
- 3202. Emergency Doors: Utilizing an emergency exit door at any time other than an emergency.
3300. Chalking
Students may use washable sidewalk chalk on campus sidewalks to under the following conditions:
- Chalking is at least 10 feet away from entrances of buildings.
- Chalking is only on sidewalks (no roads, buildings, columns, trees, stairs, fences, or walls).
- No chalking is permitted in the underpass or in any other covered area where rain will not wash the chalk away.
3400-4900 Reserved
5000. Residency Requirement
Failure to live on campus for all single, full-time undergraduate students who are not commuting from a parent’s or guardian’s home within a designated commuting area.
5100. Active Sports
Participating in activities in areas that are not designated for that purpose such as indoors, hallways, stairways, doorways, or seating areas. Active sports include, but are not limited to: football, baseball, basketball, golf, volleyball, soccer, hockey, tennis, or other sports not designed to be played in the aforementioned areas. Micro-transportation includes but is not limited to the use, storage, or parking of skateboards, longboards, monowheels, scooters, bicycles, or electric, battery-powered, or gasoline-powered motorized vehicles (not including vehicles needed for accessibility purposes, as designated by Accessibility Services).
- Operators of micro-transportation vehicles are responsible for following all vehicular traffic and safety laws while on roadways and exercising caution while operating on all walkways.
- Micro-transportation must not obstruct doorways/entries/exits, walkways, hallways, accessible entrances or ramps, or landscaped areas while in use, storage, or parking.
- Micro-transportation vehicles are highly encouraged to be registered with Shepherd University Police
5200. Appliances in Residence Halls
Plugging an appliance such as a microwave or refrigerator into anything other than the wall outlet.
5300. Bathroom Use
Utilizing the bathroom facilities that are not designated for one’s gender identity in traditional halls.
5400. Bathroom capacities
Having more than one person in a shower or toilet stall.
5500. Unattended Guest
Having a guest who is not escorted by their host. Being a guest without a specific host in the area. A guest is defined as a non-resident of the building. A host is defined as a resident of the hall who has a guest in the building.
5600. Unapproved Guest
Hosting a guest or another building resident who is not assigned to that space in the student living area without prior roommate permission.
5700. Guest–Overnight
Hosting the same guest overnight more than three nights per week, defined as the time period Sunday night through Saturday night. An overnight guest is defined as a guest which stays in a student living space where reasonable indicators would indicate a prolonged stay.
5800. Laundry
Use of residence hall laundry facilities by anyone who is not a resident of the building.
5900. Personal Storage
Leaving or storing personal items in common areas or facilities areas within the residence halls without permission from Residence Life staff.
6000. Animals in Residence Halls
- 6001: Animals on Campus: Having an animal uncontrolled, unattended, or off-leash at any time on any campus properties.
- 6002. Animals in Residence Halls: Having any animal which is not a service animal or which has not been approved by Accessibility Services.
- Non-dangerous fish that are in tanks no larger than 20 gallons within the residence halls are permitted. One tank is allowed per resident.
- All animal waste must be properly cleaned up after and disposed of in trash receptacles outside of campus buildings or a dumpster; animal waste should not be placed into trash receptacles inside buildings or residence halls.
- An animal is considered “uncontrolled” if the animal is not on a leash or other restraining device, the animal becomes a threat to the health and/or safety of others, the animal poses a threat or causes damage to physical property, or the animal causes frequent disruption.
- Approved Emotional Support Animals (ESA) must abide by the Accessibility Services ESA agreement policies on owner responsibilities, animal behaviors, and vaccination requirements. ESAs are not approved to be present in Residence Hall rooms that are not assigned to their owner, academic, or auxiliary buildings.
- Service Animals are recommended to be documented by Accessibility Services and must remain on leash according to University and Local Policy unless the service the animal is trained to perform a task which requires them to be off leash.
6100. Prohibited Items in Residence Halls
Possession, storage, or use of any of the following items:
- 6101. Appliances: Refrigerators that exceed 5.0 cubic feet (one permitted per resident), microwaves using more than 750 watts (one permitted per room), electric heaters.
- 6102. Beds: unapproved water beds, lofts, or beds larger than twin-size.
- 6103. Electrical: Appliances which exceed 20 amps of power at one time, power tools such as sanders, saws, welding equipment, air conditioners, ceiling fans, washing machines, freezers, or other high voltage equipment.
- 6104. Extension Cords: Any electrical extension cord or multi-plug outlet other than UL approved devices that have a built-in circuit breaker/reset buttons.
- 6105. Cooking: Barbecue grills, hibachis, Coleman stoves, sterno/portable stoves, devices designed to cook food such as hot plates, electric grills, hot plates, deep fat fryers, air fryers, pressure cookers/Instant pots, toasters, toaster ovens, oven broilers, rice cookers, or open coil appliances are not permitted except for residents of Dunlop or Printz Halls.
- 6106. Combustibles and Open Flame Apparatus: including but not limited to kerosene lamps or heaters, incense, candles, charcoal, or propane.
- 6107. Decorations: Having more than half (50%) of the walls within living spaces covered in combustible items such as tapestries, posters, pictures, etc.
- Attaching to or suspending items from the ceilings within residence halls
- Decorations on residence doors or decorations outside 12” of all door frames
- 6108. Other:
- hookahs or other common use smoking devices
- halogen lamps
- live Christmas trees
- electric, battery-powered, or gasoline-powered motorized vehicles within residence halls (unless for a documented disability)
- satellite dishes
- Wi-fi routers
- sub-woofers or similar items which amplify sound including bass that disrupts the community.
NOTE: hookahs and other smoking devices may be considered to be paraphernalia and proximate indicators of drug use.
6200. Sound Levels
Having sound which interferes with other students’ abilities to study, sleep, or live in an undisturbed at any time. Sound travels differently in each residence hall community so those next door or on another level of a building may be affected.
6300. Removal of University Property
Removing or relocating university property and furniture from its assigned location.
6400. Room Alteration
Making any type of alteration or repair to the structure of the residence hall facility, furnishing, or equipment.
6500. Window Screen Removal
Removing residence hall window screens from their casings.
6600. Room Assignment
- 6601. Unapproved Occupancy: Living in or occupying any residence living space other than one’s assigned location.
- 6602. Unassigned Occupant: Allowing anyone other than the person(s) assigned to the space by the Residence Life Office to live in or occupy any residence living space beyond those permitted in the visitation policy.
6700. Room Capacities
- 6701. Traditional Halls: Having more than five people in a student room in a traditional hall (Shaw and Thacher Halls).
- 6702. Suite-Style Halls: Having more than eight people in one unit of a suite-style hall (Boteler, Burkhart, Lurry, Miller, Moler, Martin, Potomac Place, and Yost halls).
- 6703. Apartments: Having more than 12 people in one unit of an apartment (Dunlop and Printz halls).
6800-6900 Reserved
7000. Room Condition
- 7001. Room Condition Unclean: Keeping a student’s room, bathroom, or living area in unclean and/or unacceptable condition, including when preparing for university breaks.
- 7002. Room Condition Overtaken: Not having a room in a condition that is ready to accept a roommate when a vacancy exists in an assigned living space.
- 7003. Room Condition, Odor: Having odors that originate from inside a student room that are detectable outside the room.
7100. Room Responsibility
Behaviors which are in violation of the Student Code of Conduct that occur within a student’s living space or common area. Residents are responsible for all behaviors which occur in their assigned spaces.
7200. Solicitation
Solicitation or sales of any service, product, or promotion in the student residence areas of a building without prior permission from the director of Residence Life, or designee. Advertisements, sale, or solicitation of alcoholic beverages is not allowed in residence halls.
7300. Trash
Placing personal trash items in a location other than the designated locations, such as dumpsters outside of the residence halls.